Apparatus and method for collection and disposal of fats, oil and grease

ABSTRACT

A method of forming a biofuel by capturing fats, oils, and/or greases in a grease trap is described. The method includes adding an absorbent material to a grease trap to absorb fats, oil, and/or greases, forming a biofuel by absorbing the fats, oils, and/or greases over time, removing the formed biofuel from the grease trap, and optionally transporting the biofuel for storage and/or incineration. The absorbent material, which may be stored in a porous fabric container in the form of a tube or a mat, includes: sphagnum peat, mushroom compost, orange peels, and/or polypropylene.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for collectionand disposal of fats, oil and grease.

BACKGROUND

The National Pretreatment Program implements Clean Water Actrequirements to control pollutants that are introduced intopublically-owned treatment works (“POTWs”). As part of this program, EPAhas promulgated General Pretreatment Regulations that require theestablishment of State and local pretreatment programs to controlpollutants which pass through or interfere with POTW treatment processesor may contaminate POTW sewage sludge. Meeting these requirements mayrequire elimination of interference caused by the discharge to POTWs ofFats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) from food service establishments (FSE). Morespecifically, the Pretreatment Program regulations at 40 CFR §403.5(b)(3) prohibit “solid or viscous pollutants in amounts which willcause obstruction” in the POTW and its collection system. EPA's Reportto Congress on combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sanitary seweroverflows (SSOs) identified that “grease from restaurants, homes, andindustrial sources are the most common cause (47%) of reportedblockages. Grease is problematic because it solidifies, reducesconveyance capacity, and blocks flow.”

Controlling FOG discharges will help POTWs prevent blockages that impactCSOs and SSOs, which cause public health and water quality problems.

FOG wastes are generated at food service establishments as byproductsfrom food preparation, and cleaning activities for pans, dishes,utensils and other surfaces. FOG captured on site is generallyclassified into two broad categories. The first type is yellow greasethat is the byproduct of deep frying, and often captured in largecontainers, then ultimately sold into the reuse market. The second typeof FOG, focus of this application, are the fats, oil and grease that arewashed down the sink and floor drains into the Grease Trap. These fats,oil and grease are a result of cleaning pans, plates, utensils and othergrease-laden surfaces in the food service establishment. The annualproduction of grease trap waste is massive. Currently FOG that escapesthe trap creates upwards of 40,000 sanitary sewer overflows per year.Food service establishments create volumes of FOG that run from 800 to1,700 pounds per year.

Food service establishments can adopt a variety of best managementpractices or install interceptor/collector devices to control andcapture the FOG material before discharge to the POTW collection system.For example, instead of discharging yellow grease to POTWs, food serviceestablishments often accumulate this material for pick up byconsolidation service companies for re-sale or re-use in the manufactureof tallow, animal feed supplements, fuels, or other products.

Additionally, food service establishments can installinterceptor/collector devices (e.g., grease traps) in order toaccumulate FOG on-site and prevent it from entering the POTW collectionsystem. In many cases, an establishment that implements best managementpractices will realize financial benefit through a reduction in theirrequired grease interceptor and trap maintenance frequency.

Likewise, more and more POTWs are addressing FOG discharges by imposingmandatory measures of various types, including inspections, periodicgrease pumping, stiff penalties, and even criminal citations forviolators, along with ‘strong waste’ monthly surcharges added torestaurant sewer bills.

Pretreatment programs are developing and using inspection checklists forboth food service establishments and POTW pretreatment inspectors tocontrol FOG discharges. Additionally, EPA identified typical numericlocal limits controlling oil and grease in the range of 50 mg/L to 450mg/L with 100 mg/L as the most commonly reported numeric pretreatmentlimit.

With this information in mind, it is apparent that while there has beensome progress in collecting and disposing of FOG, much more needs to bedone. In particular, there is a need for low-impact collection anddisposal apparatuses and methods that rely on natural, biodegradablematerials requiring low energy consumption usable in a wide variety ofapplications and at low cost. Implementation of FOG mitigation measureswill have a corresponding benefit on sludge application on farmlandsince FOG has little or no benefit as a nutrient for plants and crops.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the invention of this application employs aspecially-designed container, such as but not limited to an absorbenttube or mat into which FOG can be introduced for collection, transportand disposal. In one example, an elongate tube or absorbent matgeotextile is used to contain sphagnum peat, mushroom compost materials,orange peels, or an absorbent polymeric material and to maximize contactsurface area with the FOG materials in, for example, a grease trap. Thesphagnum peat, mushroom compost, and orange peels are obtained fromselect locations in the United States or Canada known for this type ofspecialized product. Selected varieties of sphagnum peat and/or mushroomcompost are observed to create a slight charge on the surface of thesphagnum peat and/or mushroom compost particles that draw the FOG fromthe surface water in the grease trap down to several inches below thesurface. As used in this application, peat, mushroom and similarmaterials into which the FOG is absorbed are referred to generally andbroadly as “capture materials” or absorbent materials. In certainaspects, it is contemplated that orange peels may be used as a captureor absorbent material. Likewise, the absorbent material may be apolymeric material such as a polyolefinic material and more preferably apolypropylene having oleophilic and hydrophobic properties that areideal to absorb fat, oil, and/or grease. In certain aspects, theabsorbent material is an oleophilic and hydrophobic material/matrixconfigured to absorb fats, oils, and/or greases while repelling and/orfiltering out water from, for example, a mixture of water, fats, oils,and greases

Products suitable for use in the FOG tube described in this applicationare “Dry All” wood fiber and Sphagnum peat moss processed and sold byIntegrity Absorbent Products. In particular, the peat moss product is anall organic hydrocarbon absorbent, manufactured from large fibersphagnum peat moss. The manufacturing process produces a product whichbecomes both oleophilic, absorbing hydrocarbons and hydrophobic, i.e.,repelling water. Due to its fibrous structure and processing, peatabsorbs hydrocarbons quickly on contact by virtue of its wickingcapillary action and encapsulates oil on contact. This makes peat idealfor hydrocarbon cleanup both on open water and land applications. Peatabsorbs, on average, eight times its weight. This volume will vary basedon the hydrocarbon being absorbed and the temperature. In certainaspects, orange peels have the same oleophilic and hydrophobiccharacteristics as those mentioned above. In certain aspects, orangepeels have the same oleophilic and hydrophobic characteristics as thosementioned above.

In certain aspects, the grease absorbent material is oleophilic andhydrophobic material/matrix configured to absorb fats, oils, and/orgreases while repelling and/or filtering out water from, for example, amixture of water, fats, oils, and greases. According to another aspectof the invention, the fat, oil and/or grease absorbent capture materialis selected from the group consisting of an organic material such assphagnum peat, mushroom compost, and orange peels. According to anotheraspect of the invention, the fat, oil and/or grease capture material isselected from an absorbent porous, polymeric material that is preferablyoleophilic and hydrophobic. In this aspect, the absorbent porous,polymeric material is a polyolefinic material and more preferably apolypropylene having oleophilic and hydrophobic properties that areideal to absorb fat, oil, and/or grease.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fat, oil and/or greaseis present in a range of between 88-75 percent and the capture materialis present in a range of between 12 and 25 percent.

This type of natural cleansing and separation is one of the uniquefeatures of this invention and why it is useful to restaurants,industrial facilities and car repair shops that struggle with themaintenance of grease traps and oil spills. Once trapped in the tube ormat, the product can be easily and compactly shipped to a location fordisposal, incineration or further processing, including processing thematerials for use as fuel.

In recent years, the EPA and many large water and sewer districts haverealized that application of sewage sludge and FOG materials on farmland is not a good fertilizer and has unintended long term consequences.Sewage Sludge Incineration (SSI) is becoming a safe and effectivealternative around densely populated municipalities where landapplication of sewage sludge is less desirable. One of the benefits ofthe sphagnum peat FOG absorbent tubes and mats is that they comprise ahigh BTU fuel that can be used to increase the efficiency of SSIprocesses. In addition to providing a better and more efficient way forcollecting and disposal of FOG, the product can separate the higherdensity grease and oil so that it can be disposed of in a landfill,and/or burned as fuel in a sludge incinerator.

The separation and reduction of volume in the partially emulsifiedliquid FOG material at the source in the grease trap will reduce theamount of liquid FOG that is land applied and/or causes problems withthe sludge management at the wastewater plant.

Moreover, it is another object of the invention to provide an improvedapparatus and method for collection and disposal of fats, oil andgreases. In addition, the invention includes guidelines on where toplace the FOG elongate tube or absorbent mat so that it maximizescollection of FOG, and follows local, state and Federal guidelines forgrease traps and other interceptor and separation devices.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved apparatusand method for collection and disposal of fats, oil and grease thatprovide enhanced environmental remediation.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved apparatusand method for collection and disposal of fats, oil and grease thatprovides for the ability to utilize natural, renewable, biodegradablematerials in the collection and disposal process.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved apparatusand method for collection and disposal of fats, oil and grease thatprovides for the ability to separate the higher density grease and oilso that it can be disposed in a landfill, and/or burned as fuel in asludge incinerator.

It is another object of the invention to utilize containers, such astubes, mats and other configurations of this material to capture spillsof oil and other hydrocarbons at vehicle repair facilities. For example,the tubes and/or mats may be placed on the floor of a vehicle repairfacility near and/or directly underneath an automobile that will undergoand/or is undergoing servicing. In this aspect, the tube and/or mat willabsorb any hydrocarbons (e.g., oil, gasoline, and/or lubricants) thatmay be spilled and/or emitted from the automobile. In certain aspects,the loose absorbent material disclosed herein may be directly applied tolarge spills within the automobile facility to absorb the oil, gasoline,and/or lubricants and to form the biofuel.

According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for collectionand disposal of fats, oil and grease is provided that includes anelongate fabric tube having at least one open end, a biogradablematerial capable of absorbing a large quantity of fats, oil and greasepositioned in the tube through the open end. The tube and the containedbiogradable material is adapted for being placed in a source of fat, oiland/or grease for absorbing the fat, oil and/or grease into thebiodegradable material for removal from the source and for transport toa location for processing. The tube preferably includes a closure forclosing the open end of the tube with the biodegradable materialpositioned within the tube.

According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus is providedfor collection and disposal of fats, oil and grease and includes acontainer formed of a fabric having a multiplicity of openings and atleast one open end. The container is adapted to receive an absorbentmaterial into the container capable of absorbing a quantity of fats, oiland grease, the container and biogradable material adapted for beingplaced in a source of fat, oil and/or grease for absorbing the fat, oiland/or grease for removal from the source and for transport to alocation for processing. A closure is provided for closing the open endof the container with the biodegradable material positioned within thecontainer.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fabric is ageotextile.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fabric is abiodegradable material.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fabric is constructedof a biodegradable yarn selected from the group consisting of cotton,hemp, ramie or jute.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fabric is constructedof a synthetic yarn.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fabric has an apparentopening size (AOS) of 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm. In this aspect, the AOS of thecontainer is smaller than the size(s) of the absorbent materialpositioned therein such that the absorbent material remains within thecontainer until being released/removed from the container.

According to another aspect of the invention, the container is a tube.

According to another aspect of the invention, the tube includes oneclosed end and an open end adapted for being closed after being filledwith the absorbent material.

According to another aspect of the invention, the tube includes anelement adapted for receiving an elongate cord for allowing the tube tobe lowered into and raised out of a source of FOG and to be tetheredproximate the source of FOG.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fat, oil and/or greaseabsorbent material is selected from the group consisting of sphagnumpeat, mushroom compost, orange peels, and polypropylene. In certainaspects, each of these absorbent materials are oleophilic andhydrophobic and are configured to absorb fats, oils, and/or greaseswhile repelling and/or filtering out water from, for example, a mixtureof water, fats, oils, and greases.

According to another aspect of the invention, the container is a threedimensional mat. The three dimensional mat preferably includes one ormore planar surfaces. For example, in certain aspects, the mat includesa planar upper surface, a planar lower surface, and planar sidesurfaces. In certain additional aspects, the three dimensional mat iscomprised of the absorbent material disclosed herein.

According to another aspect of the invention, the mat includes oneclosed end and an open end adapted for being closed after being filledwith the absorbent material.

According to another aspect of the invention, the mat includes anelement adapted for attaching an elongate cord to the mat for allowingthe mat to be lowered into and raised out of a source of fat, oil and/orgrease and to be tethered proximate the source of fat, oil and/orgrease.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fat, oil and/or greaseabsorbent material is selected from the group consisting of sphagnumpeat and mushroom compost.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of capturing anddisposing of fat, oil and/or grease is provided and includes the stepsof providing a container formed of a fabric having a multiplicity ofopenings and at least one open end, positioning in the container anabsorbent material capable of absorbing a quantity of fat, oil andgrease, placing the container and biogradable material contained thereinin a source of fat, oil and/or grease for absorbing the fat, oil and/orgrease, removing the container of absorbent material and absorbed fat,oil and/or grease from the source of fat, oil and/or grease, andtransporting the removed container to a location for processing.

According to another aspect of the invention, the method includes thestep of incinerating the container, the absorbed material and absorbedfat, oil and/or grease.

According to another aspect of the invention, the step of providing acontainer includes the step of providing a tube adapted to receive theabsorbent material.

According to another aspect of the invention, the step of providing acontainer includes the step of providing a mat adapted to receive theabsorbent material.

According to another aspect of the invention, the method includes thestep of tethering the container proximate the source of fat, oil and/orgrease.

According to another aspect of the invention, the method includes thestep of providing a closure for closing the open end of the containerwith the biodegradable material positioned within the container.

In additional aspects, the FOG absorbent material may be used alone(i.e., excluding the previously mentioned container that contains theabsorbent material and/or the absorbent material separated from thecontainer) to absorb FOG when forming/producing the biofuel product(i.e., the absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein). When used inthis manner, a user (e.g., technician) places a desired, predeterminedamount of absorbent material within, for example, a grease trap (orother container having FOG therein). The user then allows an adequatetime for the absorbent material to absorb and preferably becomesaturated with FOG thereby forming the biofuel product. Subsequently theuser removes the biofuel product from, for example, the grease trap forsubsequent use and/or processing steps to be used as the biofuelproduct. During the removal step of the biofuel product (i.e., absorbentmaterial having FOG absorbed therein) in the above mentioned process, itis further envisioned that a positive pressure pump (e.g., a modifiedpool pump such as the Pentair line of pool pumps) and other removal aidswill be used to further expedite the overall process to remove thebiofuel from the grease trap in an expeditious and efficient manner.

In the above mentioned method, the technician arrives at the grease trapto be serviced and removes the grease trap's lid. Next, the amount ofabsorbent material to be introduced into the grease trap will bedetermined by the technician visually inspecting and assessing theoverall volume of the grease trap along with the ratio of FOG to brownwater contained therein. The technician next introduces a sufficientamount of the loose absorbent material (e.g., 1 pound, 5 pounds, 10pounds, 20 pounds, etc.—termed the “first amount” or “initial amount”)into the trap to allow for the desirable amount of absorption of FOGinto the absorbent material. In preferable aspects, the desirable amountof FOG absorption of FOG into the absorbent material is 5%, 10%, 20%,30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 100% of the FOG withinthe grease trap.

After a predetermined time period in which absorption of FOG into theabsorbent material has occurred, the grease trap is again visuallyinspected and assessed to further determine whether any FOG remains, andif so, to further determine the ratio of FOG to brown water remaining inthe grease trap. At that time, more absorbent material (a “secondamount” of absorbent material) may be added to absorb the remaining FOG(i.e., FOG that was not absorbed by the previously provided absorbentmaterial). Subsequent amounts of absorbent material (e.g., “thirdamount”, “fourth amount”, “fifth amount”, etc.) may be added by thetechnician until the desirable amount of FOG absorption (and desired FOGto brown water ratio) has been reached. After reaching the desired FOGabsorption amount in the absorbent material (and the desired FOG tobrown water ratio), the absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein(biofuel) may be subsequently removed all at once by the removalstep/process discussed further below.

As an alternative to the above, an absorbing step followed by animmediate removal step may be used. In this aspect, the absorbentmaterial (i.e., first amount or initial amount) is added to the greasetrap and after a predetermined time period FOG is absorbed into theabsorbent material forming the biofuel. Next, the biofuel (i.e., firstamount of absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein) is removedfrom the grease trap. After removal of the absorbent material having FOGabsorbed therein (i.e., biofuel) from the grease trap, the technicianmay again visually inspect and assess the grease trap to determinewhether any additional FOG remains therein. If so, the technician mayagain, introduce the absorbent material (“second amount” of absorbentmaterial) and allow for absorption of FOG into the second amount ofabsorbent material (biofuel). Subsequently, the second amount ofabsorbent material having FOG absorbed therein is removed from thegrease trap. The above mentioned steps (i.e., absorbing FOG by theabsorbent material followed by an immediate removing step until adesirable FOG to brown water ratio and/or FOG absorption amount in theabsorbent material has been reached) may be repeated as desired by thetechnician.

To further aid in the removing/removal steps (i.e., removing the biofuelcomprising the absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein),additional removal tools and aids may be used. For example, thetechnician may use a rake or rake-like device to actuate the absorbentmaterial, FOG, and/or brown water in the grease trap and to spread theabsorbent material more evenly on the surface of the FOG/water mixturewithin the grease trap. This step advantageously increases the rate ofabsorption into the absorbent material and further expedites the FOGcapture and removal process from the grease trap. During this step, theabsorbent material having FOG absorbed therein is hydrophobic and willcontinue to float even when saturated with FOG.

At this point, the technician may further utilize a positive pressurepump (a modified pool pump such as the Pentair line of pool pumps) topump the biofuel (i.e., FOG laden absorbent material) from the top, oruppermost, portion of the grease trap and to remove the biofueltherefrom via a filter and/or physically remove (e.g., via a net oranother similar removal device). During the removal process and whileusing the pump, the pump will beneficially circulate the brown waterback into the grease trap thereby keeping the grease trap maximallyefficient and effective. The maximum efficiency of the grease trap isachieved by keeping the grease trap full of water during the removalprocess.

While pumping the FOG. laden absorbent material out of the grease trap,the technician moves the end of the hose around the top and/or uppermostsections of the grease trap surface until all of the biofuel (i.e.,absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein) has been removed fromthe grease trap.

After the biofuel (i.e., absorbent material laden with FOG and/orabsorbent material having FOG absorbed therein) has been captured andremoved from the grease trap and the unencumbered water drained from thepositive pressure pump hoses into the grease trap, the grease trap lidis closed securely. Then the technician either transports the biofuel toanother location, or leaves the biofuel in a secure area for subsequentremoval and processing.

In certain aspects, the method of forming a biofuel by capturing fats,oil and/or grease in a grease trap are disclosed. In view of the abovedisclosures, this method may include comprising the steps of: (a) addingan absorbent material to the grease trap that has a mixture of water,fats, oil, and grease therein; the absorbent material comprising ahydrophobic and oleophilic material configured to absorb between two toeight times its weight of fats, oil, and/or grease; (b) forming abiofuel by absorbing over a predetermined period of time fats, oil,and/or grease within the absorbent material such that the absorbed fats,oil, and/or grease within the absorbent material are separated from thewater within the grease trap. (c) removing the biofuel from the greasetrap while the separated water of step (b) remains in the grease trap;and (d) optionally transporting the biofuel to a secure location forstorage and/or incineration. In certain aspects, step (d) is included inthe above method. Within the above method, the absorbent material isloose, contained within a container comprising a tube adapted to receiveand securely hold the absorbent material therein, or formed as a mat.Within the above method, the absorbent material consists of at least oneof sphagnum peat, mushroom compost, orange peels, and polypropylene.Within the above method, the absorbent material is configured to absorbbetween four to eight times its weight of the fats, oil, and/or grease.Within the above method, before step (a) the volume of a grease trap andfats, oil, and/or grease relative to the water therein are visuallyassessed to determine an amount of absorbent material to be added to thegrease trap. In certain aspects, the above method further includes afterstep (c), repeating steps (a)-(c) until a desired amount of fats, oils,and/or grease have been absorbed and removed from the grease trap oruntil all fats, oils, and/or grease have been absorbed and removed fromthe grease trap. In certain aspects, the above method further includesafter step (b), repeating steps (a) and (b) until a desired amount offats, oils, and/or grease has been absorbed by the absorbent material inthe grease trap or until all fats, oils, and/or grease have beenabsorbed by the absorbent material. In certain aspects, the above methodfurther includes pumping air by a positive pressure pump into themixture of water, fats, oil, and grease to increase absorption,coagulation, and/or flocculation of the absorbent material during steps(a) and (b) and to aid and facilitate removing the biofuel from thegrease trap during step (c) by maintaining the biofuel on an uppermostsurface of the separated water that remains in the grease trap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the geotextile container in tube formaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, enlarged end view of the tube of FIG. 1 , shownin an open positon for receiving a quantity of sphagnum peat material,mushroom compost, orange peels, polypropylene or other absorbentmaterial;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a geotextile container in mat formaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-section of the geotextile mat with sphagnumpeat material or other absorbent material contained in the mat;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a typical restaurant grease trap showingplacement and use of the geotextile tube to absorb FOG;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view that shows the location of theabsorbent mat in a cross section of a typical grease trap at arestaurant or auto maintenance facility; and

FIG. 7 schematically depicts an alternative method of the biofuelformation/production and removal from, for example, a grease trap usingthe disclosed absorbent material(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, a container in the form of a tube 10 foruse in the present invention is shown in the FIGS. 1-2 , as noted. Thetube 10 may be constructed according to many suitable constructions, butone construction comprises an elongate tube 10 that is formed of ageotextile fabric 12 that may be constructed by circular knitting, flatknitting, weaving, non-woven formation or any other fabric constructionhaving a multitude of openings through the thickness of the fabric 12.The fabric 12 is preferably seamed along its length to form the tube 10.The tube 10 may be constructed of a synthetic, biodegradable or naturalmaterial. The fabric 12 of the tube 10 may be constructed of anysuitable natural or biodegradable/synthetic yarn, for example, with anatural fiber such as cotton, hemp, ramie, jute or similar materialbecause of its biodegradable characteristics, with apparent opening size(AOS) on the order of 0.25 to 0.5 mm depending on the size of thesphagnum peat or mushroom compost absorbent material. The empty tube 10may be any suitable length and diameter, for example, 60 cm to 120 cmlong and 7 cm to 15 cm in diameter depending on the size of the greasetrap and the FOG loading from the restaurant or auto repair facility. Asmanufactured, the tube 10 is preferably closed at one end and filledfrom the opposite, open end. The open end of the filled tube 10 may beclosed with any suitable closure, such as stitching, clips or tied offwith cord at the top of the grease trap or other FOG separating andcollection structure.

The tube 10 may include an opening 14 on either or both ends to receivea cord 16, as shown in FIG. 5 , by which the tube 10 may be lowered intoand retrieved from a grease trap or other enclosure and tethered to thegrease trap or other structure while in use.

One or more coatings may be applied to the fabric 12 to preventpenetration of the fabric 12 surface by water or aqueous salts therebyallowing the fabric 12 substrate to be non-absorbent for water orsoluble salts.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 , a container in the form of a mat 20 foruse in the present invention is shown in the FIGS. 3-4 , as noted. Themat 20 may be constructed according to many suitable constructions, butone construction comprises a rectangular “box” shape that is formed of ageotextile fabric 22 that may be constructed by circular knitting, flatknitting, weaving, non-woven formation or any other fabric constructionhaving a multitude of openings through the thickness of the fabric 22.The fabric 22 is preferably seamed along its length and width to formthe mat 20. The mat 20 may be constructed of a synthetic, biodegradableor natural material. The fabric 22 of the mat 20 may be constructed ofany suitable natural or biodegradable/synthetic yarn, for example, anatural fiber such as cotton, hemp, ramie, jute or similar materialbecause of its biodegradable characteristics, with apparent opening size(AOS) on the order of 0.25 to 0.5 mm depending on the size of thesphagnum peat or mushroom compost absorbent material. The empty mat 20may be any suitable length, width and height, for example, 60 cm to 120cm long, 30 cm to 60 cm long and 10 cm to 20 cm in height depending onthe size of the grease trap and the FOG loading from the restaurant orauto repair facility. As manufactured, the mat 20 is preferably closedat one end and filled from the opposite, open end. The open end of thefilled mat 20 may be closed with any suitable closure, such asstitching, clips, or snaps 24. The mat 20 may be seamed in such manneras to create individual compartments within the mat 20.

The mat 20 may include a loop 26 to receive a cord by which the mat 20may be lowered into and retrieved from a grease trap or other enclosureand tethered to the grease trap or other structure while in use.

One or more coatings may be applied to the fabric 22 to preventpenetration of the fabric 22 surface by water or aqueous salts therebyallowing the fabric 22 substrate to be non-absorbent for water orsoluble salts.

The preferable FOG absorbent material filled into the mat 20 is aspecialized form of sphagnum peat “SP” or mushroom compost materials.

FIG. 5 illustrates placement of a tube 10 proximate an entrance to agrease trap, and tethering the tube 10 with the cord 16 as describedabove to remain proximate to the grease trap entrance.

FIG. 6 illustrates placement of the tube 10 in a grease trap relative toother components of a conventional grease trap structure.

The following step by step process is expected for typical use andimplementation of the FOG product and collection process. The process isexplained with reference to the tube 10, but will be essentially thesame when using the mat 20.

STEP 1: Introduce the tube 10 with selected sphagnum peat “SP” ormushroom compost into the grease trap or other FOG collection structure.Tether the tube 10 with cord 16 so that it stays at the influent end ofthe grease trap, and is the optimal location of FOG collection. Prior toplacement in the grease trap, weigh the dry tube 10 so that a ‘beforeand after” measure of FOG collection can be established.

STEP 2: After consultation with local water and sewer regulatoryofficials and the owner of the FOG collection device or grease trap,setup of a regular interval to remove and replace the FOG collectionabsorbent tube 10. From past experience, the best way to initiate theuse of the FOG remediation technology is to start off as a regulatoryapproved Demonstration Project where the approach and results aremeasured and evaluated.

STEP 3: Depending on the interval for removal and collection of the FOGabsorbent tube 10, arrange for storage in covered and secured FOGcontainers to avoid attracting small animals and rodents that are commonin and around restaurants and auto repair facilities.

STEP 4: Transport and dispose of the FOG absorbent tube 10, mat 20 orother suitable container to a regulated, Subtitle D lined disposalfacility, cement manufacturer for incineration or to a sewage sludgeincinerator (SSI). If disposed of at an SSI facility, the FOG tube 10 isthen part of waste to energy, renewable energy fuel source.

The advantage of the FOG process using the tube 10 or mat 20 is that itsafely and cost effectively separates FOG in the grease trap before itis mixed with large volumes of water and emulsified waste liquids.Separation after the fact is difficult and expensive.

The FOG absorbent tube 10 works for FOG collection because the sphagnumpeat “SP” or mushroom compost materials are highly absorbent naturalmaterials that separate the FOG from liquids or water. The absorbingcharacteristics are a combination of increased surface area and naturalfiltering processes, similar to that provided by charcoal or activatedcarbon. A slightly larger AOS in the filtering geotextile fabric 12 willallow more of the natural absorbing and geochemical attraction betweenthe sphagnum peat “SP” to have better contact with the surface FOGmaterials to attract and collect it from the liquids/water. Thisapproach reduces the tendency or emulsification of the FOG into thegrease trap so that frequency of the grease trap pumping and remixing ofthe FOG and water/liquid will be reduced. Collecting the FOG from thesurface of the grease trap is much more efficient and cost effective.

Collecting the FOG from the surface of grease traps substantiallyreduces the volume of mixed FOG and liquids that are the cause ofsignificant maintenance problems in sewer systems, and the cause ofdifficult to apply sludge materials that are typically utilized onfarmland. FOG offer little or no benefit for improving macro and micronutrients on farmland because it is resistant to biodegradation and haslittle or no nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (i.e. PKN). See Use ofPeat in the Treatment of Oily Waters, G. N. Mathavan & T. Viraraghavan,1989

Estimate of the absorbing qualities of peat moss appear to be the rangeof 5 to 10 kg/m² per FOG tube 10 per week. This will be an area ofapplied research and measurement during future demonstration projects.

Polar molecules have a positive charge on one end and a negative chargeon the other end. Non-polar molecules do not have two electrical polesand the electrons are distributed symmetrically on both sides. FOG iscomposed of organic non-polar compounds. Water is a polar solvent. Onlypolar compounds or other polar solvents will mix with water. Therefore,non-polar FOG will not readily mix with water. Depending on the source,FOG has a density of approximately 0.863-0.926 g/cm³. Water has adensity of approximately 1.000 g/cm³. The lesser density will float ontop of the greater density substance if it does not mix, thus non-polarFOG floats on water because it does not mix and gravity exerts more pullon the greater density water molecules. Water molecules are relativelysmall because they are only composed of one oxygen and two hydrogenmolecules (H₂O). They therefore pack closely together in a space.Molecules of oil are large and have complicated shapes, thus requiringmore space than water molecules. This is why oil is less dense thanwater.

A few oils having densities less than water are known to be polarcompounds and can mix with water and therefore not float on the water'ssurface.

Thus, polarity and density both contribute to oil floating on water.

Polarity is a relative term. On a sliding scale, some oils are more orless polar than others are and have both polar and non-polarattributions Also, the heating of oils and interaction with otherorganic compounds it is exposed to during heating, can change the oil'schemical composition, and thus change the relative polarity.

The above referenced principles permit the method of this application towork as intended and as developed.

Further evidence supporting the “charge” principle is found at Fats, Oiland Grease Science, Dothan, Ala. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Sciencewww.dothan.org/DocumentCenter/View/3032/FOG---Science?bidID=

As further shown in FIG. 7 and in additional aspects, the FOG absorbentmaterial may be used alone (i.e., excluding the previously mentionedcontainer that contains the absorbent material and/or the absorbentmaterial separated from the container) to absorb FOG whenforming/producing the biofuel product (i.e., the absorbent materialhaving FOG absorbed therein). When used in this manner, a user (e.g.,technician) places a desired, predetermined amount of absorbent materialwithin, for example, a grease trap (or other container having FOGtherein). The user then allows an adequate time for the absorbentmaterial to absorb and preferably become saturated with FOG therebyforming the biofuel product. Subsequently the user removes the biofuelproduct from, for example, the grease trap for subsequent use and/orprocessing steps to be used as the biofuel product. During the removalstep of the biofuel product (i.e., absorbent material having FOGabsorbed therein) in the above mentioned process, it is furtherenvisioned that a positive pressure pump (e.g., a modified pool pumpsuch as the Pentair line of pool pumps) and other removal aids (e.g., anet, filter, etc.) will be used to further expedite the overall processto remove the biofuel from the grease trap in an expeditious andefficient manner.

More specifically in the above-mentioned method and in view of FIG. 7 ,the technician arrives at the grease trap to be serviced andremoves/opens the grease trap's lid (S1). Next, the amount of absorbentmaterial to be introduced into the grease trap will be determined by thetechnician visually inspecting and assessing the overall volume of thegrease trap along with the ratio of FOG to brown water contained therein(S2). The technician next introduces a sufficient amount of the looseabsorbent material (e.g., 1 pound, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, 20 pounds,etc.—termed the “first amount” or “initial amount”) into the trap (S3)to allow for the desirable amount of absorption of FOG into theabsorbent material. For example, each pound of absorbent material shouldabsorb between 5 pounds to 9 pounds of FOG per pound of absorbentmaterial, and in preferred aspects, each pound of absorbent materialshould absorb between 7 pounds to 8 pounds of FOG per pound of absorbentmaterial. In preferable aspects, the desirable amount of FOG absorptionof FOG into the absorbent material is 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%,70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 100% of the FOG within the grease trap, andin certain aspects the percentage removal of FOG complies with locallaws and ordinances, state laws and ordinances as well as any applicableFederal laws.

After a predetermined time period in which absorption of FOG into theabsorbent material has occurred (S4), the grease trap is again visuallyinspected and assessed to further determine whether any FOG remains(S4′), and if so, to further determine the ratio of FOG to brown waterremaining in the grease trap. At that time, more absorbent material (a“second amount” of absorbent material) may be added (S5 ^(a)′) to absorbthe remaining FOG (i.e., FOG that was not absorbed by the previouslyprovided absorbent material in (S3)). After a predetermined time period(S5 ^(a)″), the technician again visually assesses whether any FOGremains in the grease trap (outside of the biofuel) or whether thedesired amount of FOG has not been absorbed. If the answer to (S5 ^(a)″)is no, the biofuel is removed from the grease trap (S6) by the removalprocess discussed further below and subsequently stored (S7).

However, if the answer to (S5 ^(a)″) is yes, subsequent amounts ofabsorbent material (e.g., “third amount”, “fourth amount”, “fifthamount”, etc.) may be added (S5 ^(a)′″), by the technician until thedesirable amount of FOG absorption (and desired FOG to brown waterratio) has been reached. After reaching the desired FOG absorptionamount in the absorbent material (and the desired FOG to brown waterratio), the absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein (biofuel) maybe subsequently removed (S6) all at once by the removal step/processdiscussed further below.

As an alternative to the above, an absorbing step followed by animmediate removal step may be used. In this aspect, the absorbentmaterial (S3) (i.e., first amount or initial amount) is added to thegrease trap and after a predetermined time period (S4) FOG is absorbedinto the absorbent material forming the biofuel. If no FOG remainsoutside of the absorbent material or the desired amount of FOG has beenabsorbed thereby forming the biofuel (S5), the biofuel (S6) (i.e., firstamount of absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein) is removedfrom the grease trap and the process is concluded by subsequentlystoring (S7) the biofuel.

However, in certain alternative aspects and after steps (S4) and (S4′),it may be determined that the absorbent material has absorbed FOG butsome FOG remains outside of the absorbent material or the desired amountof FOG was not absorbed (S5 ^(b)) by the absorbent material. (S6)removal of the absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein (i.e.,biofuel) from the grease trap may immediately occur after (S5 ^(b)), andthe technician may again visually inspect and assess the grease trap todetermine whether any additional FOG remains therein. If so, thetechnician may again, introduce (S5 ^(b)′) the absorbent material(“second amount” of absorbent material) and allow for absorption of FOGinto the second amount of absorbent material (biofuel) (S5 ^(b)″). If noFOG remains outside of absorbent material or desired amount of FOG hasbeen absorbed, the biofuel is removed from the grease trap (S6).However, after (S5 ^(b)″) if FOG remains outside of absorbent materialor desired amount of FOG has not been absorbed, (S5 b′″) occurs in which(S6), (S5 ^(b)′), (S5 ^(b)″), and (S6) are repeated until no FOG remainsoutside of the absorbent material or the desired amount of FOG has beenabsorbed (e.g., almost all FOG has been absorbed), the biofuel from thegrease trap and subsequently stored (S7).

To further aid in the removing/removal steps (i.e., removing the biofuelcomprising the absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein),additional removal tools and aids may be used. For example, thetechnician may use a rake or rake-like device to actuate the absorbentmaterial. FOG, and/or brown water in the grease trap and to spread theabsorbent material more evenly on the surface of the FOG/water mixturewithin the grease trap. This step advantageously increases the rate ofabsorption into the absorbent material and further expedites the FOGcapture and removal process from the grease trap. During this step, theabsorbent material having FOG absorbed therein is hydrophobic and willcontinue to float even when saturated with FOG.

At this point, the technician may further utilize a positive pressurepump (a modified pool pump such as the Pentair line of pool pumps) topump the biofuel (i.e., FOG laden absorbent material) from the top, oruppermost, portion of the grease trap and to remove the biofueltherefrom via a filter and/or physically remove (e.g., via a net oranother similar removal device). During the removal process and whileusing the pump, the pump will beneficially circulate the brown waterback into the grease trap thereby keeping the grease trap maximallyefficient and effective. The maximum efficiency of the grease trap isachieved by keeping the grease trap full of water during the removalprocess.

While pumping the FOG. laden absorbent material out of the grease trap,the technician moves the end of the hose around the top and/or uppermostsections of the grease trap surface until all of the biofuel (i.e.,absorbent material having FOG absorbed therein) has been removed fromthe grease trap.

After the biofuel (i.e., absorbent material laden with FOG and/orabsorbent material having FOG absorbed therein) has been captured andremoved from the grease trap and the unencumbered water drained from thepositive pressure pump hoses into the grease trap, the grease trap lidis closed securely. Then the technician either transports the biofuel toanother location, or leaves the biofuel in a secure area for subsequentremoval and processing.

An apparatus and method for collection and disposal of fats, oil andgrease according to the invention has been described with reference tospecific embodiments and examples. Various details of the invention maybe changed without departing from the scope of the invention.Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments ofthe invention and best mode for practicing the invention are providedfor the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose oflimitation, the invention being defined by the claims.

I claim:
 1. A method of forming a biofuel by capturing fats, oil and/orgrease in a grease trap, comprising the steps of: a. adding an absorbentmaterial to the grease trap that has a mixture of water, fats, oil, andgrease therein; the absorbent material comprising a hydrophobic andoleophilic material configured to absorb between two to eight times itsweight of fats, oil, and/or grease, wherein the absorbent material iscontained within a container formed of a fabric having a multiplicity ofopenings adapted to receive and securely hold the absorbent materialtherein, and wherein the fabric is a biodegradable geotextile; b.forming a biofuel by absorbing over a predetermined period of time fats,oil, and/or grease within the absorbent material such that the absorbedfats, oil, and/or grease within the absorbent material are separatedfrom the water within the grease trap; c. removing the biofuel from thegrease trap while the separated water of step (b) remains in the greasetrap; and d. transporting the biofuel to a secure location andincinerating the biofuel.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theabsorbent material consists of at least one of sphagnum peat, mushroomcompost, orange peels, and polypropylene.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the absorbent material is configured to absorb between four toeight times its weight of the fats, oil, and/or grease.
 4. The method ofclaim 2, wherein before step (a) a volume of the grease trap and fats,oil, and/or grease relative to the water therein are visually assessedto determine an amount of absorbent material to be added to the greasetrap.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising after step (c),repeating steps (a)-(c) until a desired amount of fats, oils, and/orgrease has been absorbed and removed from the grease trap or until allfats, oils, and/or grease.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprisingafter step (b), repeating steps (a) and (b) until a desired amount offats, oils, and/or grease has been absorbed by the absorbent material inthe grease trap or until all fats, oils, and/or grease has been absorbedby the absorbent material.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprisingapplying positive pressure using a positive pressure pump into themixture of water, fats, oil, and grease to increase absorption,coagulation, and/or flocculation of the absorbent material during steps(a) and (b) and to aid and facilitate removing the biofuel from thegrease trap during step (c) by maintaining the biofuel on an uppermostsurface of the separated water that remains in the grease trap.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein: the multiplicity of openings having anapparent opening size (AOS) of 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm, the fat, oil, and/orgrease present in the biofuel ranges between 88 and 75 percent totalweight of the biofuel and the absorbent present in the range of between12 and 25 percent total weight of the biofuel product.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the absorbent material is a loose absorbent material;and, further comprising adding the loose absorbent material to thegrease trap either before, during, or after step (a).
 10. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising visually assessing whether any fat, oils,and/or grease remains outside of the absorbent material and/or whether adesired amount of the fat, oils, and/or grease has been absorbed by theabsorbent material, and adding additional loose absorbent material untilno fat, oils, and/or grease remains outside of the absorbent materialand/or the desired amount of the fat, oils, and/or grease has beenabsorbed.